While traveling the place you rest your head at night can eat up a big chunk of your budget. But worry not, there’s many options to locate budget-friendly, comfortable and safe accommodations.
We find that traveling with children isn’t always going for the cheapest options – we want to get the best value for money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used do, yet we want to save some dough.
Where and how you choose to live depends on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your style of travel and comfort level
- Your size crew
- Your interests
Remember that getting 15% off an accommodation you don’t want isn’t as good as paying the full cost for a place you do. Our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get the perfect place to stay.
As a family, we’ve switched up our accommodation preferences throughout the years. When we travel for longer periods, we’re more comfortable in apartments because they have kitchens, separate bedrooms , and laundry facilities. Furthermore, we can share the cost with other families or friends. For shorter stays, we’re happy to stay in hotels or family-friendly hostels.
If you’re taking an extended trip around the globe, consider spending more time in places where your money goes further and reduce your expectations in countries that are more expensive.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to pick a budget hotel if it’s miles away from everything and you have to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation, and things to do, like restaurants, the beach, and parks.
Stay longer than one night
A lot of hotels offer discounts if you stay for at least two nights. Sometimes you can even stay for four nights, and only pay for three nights.
Hit your hotel Sunday morning
Hotels tend to be less busy on Sundays, which means you’re likely to get a bargain. Plus, if you stay on a Sunday, you’ll stay clear of the crowds at check-in and checkout on Monday and Friday.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In some cities, like Las Vegas, hotels are more affordable on weekdays than weekends. Also, try to stay away from the crowds and save some cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s not a surprise that hotels are more affordable in the off-season. If you’re able to travel during shoulder seasons (between peak and off-peak) it is possible to save money as well as avoid crowds, and enjoy decent weather.
Compare the prices of different booking sites
Do not book on the first website you find. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best price.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of vacation rental and hotels offer loyalty programs where members earn rewards or discounts on your next stay.
Make reservations early or at the last minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal, while other times, waiting till the very last moment can get you a discount.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
When booking directly with a hotel , or vacation rental, don’t feel intimidated to ask for more value or facilities. There’s no way to know if they might just say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Apartments, such as vacation rentals or houses, are an ideal option for groups or families. They are less expensive than booking more hotel rooms.
Take advantage of credit card rewards
If you own a credit card that offers travel rewards, you can make use of the rewards for your hotel and save more.
Check for hidden fees
Certain booking sites or hotels may charge extra for things such as resort or cleaning fees So be sure to check the fine print prior to booking.
Check for discounts or offers
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer specials or discounts for students, military personnel, as well as AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best deals are found in smaller hotel chains, or in rental properties that aren’t as well-known.
Find pet-friendly places
If you’re planning to travel with a furry friend consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may offer special deals or discounts for pet owners.
Utilize social media
Many hotels and vacation rentals offer discounts or special offers that they advertise via social media. So be sure to be following them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Try a house-sitting or home-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is the process of swapping houses with a different person which allows you to stay in their home while they stay in yours. This is a fantastic method to save on housing while having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group renting a campervan or RV can be a great way to save money on accommodations. In addition, you’ll have the chance to visit different locations and even have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents often have access to discounts and special offers which aren’t accessible to the general public. They can also perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A hotel, flight, and rental vehicle together as a package deal could sometimes save you money on each individual component.
Search for hostels
Hostels are a budget-friendly alternative for solo travelers as well as groups of travelers. In addition, with the rise of boutique hostels there are often safe, comfortable, and safe alternatives.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a space in a homeowner’s home or renting a whole house for a large group.
For your convenience, Here are some suggestions for finding cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount retailers like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage for sale at a discount. Make sure you check these stores out prior to purchasing at a department store that is more traditional.
Find sales during off-season
Similar to accommodation, you can often get good bargains on luggage in the off-season or end-of-season sales. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or refurbished luggage. This is a fantastic way to save money on the top brands, and you might be able to locate lightly used luggage in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay offer a variety of options, and as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding cheap accommodations and cheap luggage does not have to mean sacrificing comfort and safety. With a bit of research and imagination, you can find an ideal place to stay within your budget as well as amazing deals in luggage to take on your next journey. By looking at prices and signing up for loyalty programs, booking early or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, or trying alternative options like rental homes and home sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your travels to the highest degree.